Reps Mandate Security Committees To Investigate Ports Safety Standards
The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Port and Harbor, and Safety Institutions to investigate frequent accidents involving articulated trucks and propose solutions within 28 days.
It also summoned the Comptroller General of Customs, the Inspector General of Police, and relevant agencies to explain enforcement strategies for ensuring compliance with port safety standards.
This followed a motion by Hon. Okey Jessey, who also urged the House Committee on Port and Harbor, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and stakeholders, to develop a framework to ensure containers leaving ports are properly secured.
In another motion, the Green Chamber also called on national security agencies to reduce excessive checkpoints along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, citing their violation of citizens' rights to free movement as enshrined in Section 41 of the Constitution.
Following the adoption of a motion my ,Hon Amobi Ogah,the house noted that the checkpoints often lead to harassment, bribery, increased transportation costs, and economic disruptions in the South-East region.
The House mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, and Police Affairs to engage service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to explore alternative security measures that ensure public safety without causing hardship or infringing on constitutional rights.